Can punch



July 25, 1933.

J. F. CUTLER CAN PUNCH Filed May 25, 193

INVENTOR. JOHN F CUTLER,

ATTORNEYS.

Patented July 25, 1933 UNITED STATES- JOHN F. CUTLEBQOF 'sAN FRANCISCO, cALIroRNIA CAN PUNCH Application filed May 25,

My invention relates to improvements in can punches, and it consists of the combinations, constructions and arrangements hereinafter described and claimed.

An object of my invention is to provide a can punch which is extremely simple in construction and which is designed to per forate a can near the edge so that the contents can be poured from the can. The device employs novel means for correctly positioning the punch with respect to the edge of the can, and in this way the opening is made close to the edge so that allof the contents of the can may be poured therefrom. The same punch may be used for providing a vent for the can, as well as the opening through which the fiuid is poured.

The device makes use of a handle with an opening for receiving the thumb of the operator. 7

Other objects and advantages will appear in the following specification, and the novel features of the device will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

My invention is illustrated in the accom panying drawing forming a part of this application, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of the device shown applied to a can;

Figure 2 is a front elevation; and

Figure 3 is a section along the line 3--3 of Figure 1.

In carrying out my inventionI provide a frame indicated generally at 1 and this frame comprises a support 2 (see Figure 3) having downwardly extending legs 3 (see 'Figure 2). The legs are extended rearwardly and are merged into a handle 4. The portions of the. legs disposed between the support 2 and the handle tform a thumb receiving recess 5. The front portions of the legs extend below the under side of the handle 4 as shown at 6 and these portions h.ve edges 7 that contact with the outer circumference of a can 8.

i The support 2 has a cylindrical flange '9 internally threaded for receiving'a cylindrical casing 10. A cap 11 is removably secured to the casing 10 and has an opening 12 for slidably receiving a plunger 13. The

1931. Serial No. 539,875.

support 2 also has an opening 14 for receiving theplunger 13.

The lower end of the plunger 13 is provided with a point 15 and with a collar 16 for limiting the upward movement of the plunger. A spring 17 encircles the plunger or rod 13 and has its lower end bearing against the support 2. The upper end of the spring 17 bears against a washer 18 which in turn contacts with a pin 19 extending transversely through the rod 13. This construction causes the plunger or rod 13 to be yieldingly held in its uppermost position as shown in Figure 3.

The top of the rod 13 is threaded at 19 '65 and receives a knob 20.

From the foregoing description of the various parts of the device, the operation thereof may be readily understood.

The device is gripped by means of the handle 4 and the thumb of the operator is received in the recess 5 while the forefinger of the same hand contacts with the can 8. The operator can now move the thumb for causing the portions 6 to contact with the side of the can disposed diametrically opposite to the hand. The surfaces 7 correctly position the pointed end 15 of the plunger 13 with respect to the can.

The operator now strikes this drives the pointed end 15 down into the can and vents it. The collar 16 limits the downward movement of the plunger 13. If a small opening is desired in the can the knob can be lightly depressed.

The device may now be swung with respect to the can so as to force an opening in the top of the can that is disposed diametrically opposite the first opening. In this way a pouring opening and a vent opening is provided. The device is extremely simple in construction and will last indefinitely.

AlthoughI have shown and described one embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of Va rious changes and I reserve the right to employ such changes as may come within the scope of the claims hereto annexed.

the knob 20 and 80 V the rod, the portion of the rod disposed be neath the collar being pointed and a knob secured to the top of the rod, said collar limiting the movement of the pointed end into the can.

2. A can punch comprising a frame a can puncturing member carried by the frame, said frame having a handle adapted to eX- tend over and close to the top of the can, said handle having a thumb recess to permit the thumb of the operator to contact with the top of the can.

' JOHN F. CUTLER. 

